Organic 'Rutgers' Tomato
Organic 'Rutgers' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a great American classic with robust and tasty red fruits
The 'Rutgers' tomato is an iconic heirloom variety from New Jersey, long used in the canning industry and prized by gardeners for its remarkable versatility. Determinate yet vigorous, it develops large, productive vines that bear large, 227g (8 oz) red tomatoes that are perfectly round and meaty. Their flavor is deep and balanced, neither too sweet nor too acidic, making them an ideal choice for fresh eating, homemade sauces, canned wedges, or coulis. Maturing in 70 to 80 days , it provides a generous and consistent yield, living up to its reputation as a reliable and universally loved tomato.
A trusted heirloom variety, 'Rutgers' is prized for its firm texture and abundant flesh, which hold up well during cooking. Its rich history and worldwide distribution attest to the exceptional quality of this simple and authentic tomato. It remains one of the most popular varieties for home gardens, thanks to its productivity, classic flavor, and excellent cooking qualities.
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Spread/Carry : Determined, vigorous
Plant height : 90 to 120 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Large red fruit, classic flavor, excellent tomato for preserving or eating fresh
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Plant seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in light potting mix and maintain a temperature of 23–29°C to encourage rapid germination in 5 to 10 days . Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to produce short, sturdy, and well-adapted plants.
Transplant outdoors when all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) apart with 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6 feet) between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) and regular watering (watering level 3) . Its determinate growth habit generally requires little pruning, but light staking can be helpful to support the numerous heavy fruits.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit has reached its characteristic deep red color. To advance the harvest, pick those that have already begun to color , then let them ripen off the vine at 22°C or above . Store them between 12 and 21°C with 95% relative humidity to preserve their firmness and flavor.
Usage ideas
• Excellent for home canning , thanks to its firm and flavorful flesh
• Perfect sliced fresh , in sandwiches and summer salads
• Ideal for coulis, sauces and salsas , where its classic flavor shines
• Delicious roasted in wedges , adding concentrated sweetness
The 'Rutgers' tomato is a reliable choice for the vegetable garden: generous, dependable, flavorful, and deeply rooted in North American horticultural history. An essential variety for those seeking a traditional red tomato that is both versatile and highly productive.
